4scourge7

https://ukdefencejournal.org.uk/fire-phasers-new-dragonfire-laser-turret-unveiled-dsei/ Cheers, Ian

By convenient coincidence, Project `Icarus` announced today; https://ukdefencejournal.org.uk/shields-icarus-project-provide-british-army-vehicles-active-protection-system/ Cheers, Ian

Early guess at HMS Glasgow`s pennant number. During yesterday`s news flummery they showed close-ups of steel cut for HMS Glasgow titled `F260`. On a more dynamic front, footage has been released of the first Sea Ceptor launches aboard HMS Argyll. Cheers, Ian

Nice review Julien, looks like some rare pics are included from the examples that you provide. I wasn`t aware of this release, but at a reasonable price, it`s certainly worth a look. Cheers, Ian

Some nice time-lapse on the arrival. Cheers, Ian

Some nice footage of sea trials with USS HW Bush, and overhead views at Scapa Flow, and leaving Scapa Flow. Cheers, Ian

HMS Queen Elizabeth marks centenary of the first carrier landing by Edwin Dunning. Vid includes the view from a Merlin as it approaches and lands. http://www.forces.net/news/watch-hms-queen-elizabeth-marks-100-years-first-aircraft-landing Cheers, Ian

HMS Montrose shows off new Sea Ceptor silos on 28th July tweet. https://twitter.com/HMS_MONTROSE Compare with Sea Wolf. Industry vid of the Mk 45 gun destined for T26. Cheers, Ian

Latest BAe video. Seems to show a forward Sea Ceptor of 24 VLS, 24 strike length VLS, and a further 24 Sea Ceptor aft of the funnel (although I stand to be corrected). Cheers, Ian

Thank you all, plenty info for me to chew over there. Cheers, Ian

This has been excellent help, thank you all. Fascinating shot of 97 in high-vis markings Mike, thank you. The Falklands Air War book from Osprey shows a black number that `may` be 97 (first digit is rounded and may be 8 or 9, but is partially obscured) landed on liner QE2. A date is not given, but safe to assume after the 28th May if it is `97`. This info has helped complete my choices Rod, thank you. As was Scimitars` info on Lynx, and jungliereatings` too. Cheers all, utterly priceless advice. Ian

Hi all Appreciated the help with Falklands helos. I`m now asking the obvious follow-on which is; which Sea King kit/kits best represent both HAS.5 and HC.4 versions in1/72? I know hee-haw about Sea Kings, I`m ashamed to say. Is there a kit that allows both versions to be produced, or do I have to go to two separate kits? Cheers, Ian

Thank you all, this has been invaluable. All I need now is a single HC.4 of 846NAS to accompany ZA298(VA) and I`m good to go. Cheers, Ian

Thanks Rod. There are plenty of pics of Sea Kings on Hermes, it`s just trying to tie down which were reasonably described as being based on Hermes during the conflict for modelling purposes, give or take the odd aircraft that may be cross-decking etc... Is there details of the Lynx on Hermes; any pics, any serials, any special external fits that would require modelling? Cheers, Ian

Hi all I`m researching the air group of HMS Hermes during the Falklands War and am in need of some assistance. Harrier serials are no problem; various sources can provide a wealth of serials for Sea Harriers of 800 NAS, the lighter grey Harriers of 809 NAS flown onto Hermes, and the Harrier GR.3 of 1 Sqn RAF. Problems begin with the helicopters. I appreciate the movement of Sea Kings was fluid so I`ll list what I have. I`m really only sure of the first Sea King in each squadron. 826 NAS Sea King HAS.5 XZ578 (21) XZ571 (43) (40) (22) (82) (42) ZA132 ( ) - lost 12/5/82 XZ573 ( ) - lost 18/5/82 846 NAS Sea King HC.4 ZA298 (VA) ZA311 ( ) -lost 23/4/82 ZA290 ( ) -lost 18/5/82 ZA294 ( ) -lost 19/5/82 (VT) (VC) I`ve also read that both carriers had a pair of Lynx embarked for countering Exocet, but have no idea of serials, or how they differed externally from standard Lynx, if at all. I appreciate any help that can be offered in advance. Cheers, Ian

I get, and agree, with what you`re saying; I would have liked Warspite etc.., and maybe even HMS Jellicoe. But what`s nice must give way to the realpolitik: that keeping people onside by naming ships so that local communities have a `local` vessel can help counteract those commentators who say `everything is on an internet now, why do we need warships?`. I saw a journo seriously propose this on Sky News recently, without contradiction. Some people actually believe this nonsense. I don`t know if you saw the same reports in England, as they were on Scottish regional broadcasts, but there was a tangible morale boost on the Clyde, what with guaranteed work for twenty years, and the lead ship being named Glasgow. I have to say, in this instance, a `political` decision has had some value for the project. Especially if they spread the love around the UK, which I`m sure the beaks will do with subsequent names. But yes, I do agree it would have been nice to have something evocative like `Dreadnought`, which was a good move for next-gen Trident subs. Ultimately, huge sigh of relief that this is going ahead, regardless of names. Hurrah! Cheers, Ian

Vid of the deed. Agreed. Fitting first name of class as well. The city that produced six T45, carrier sections, OPV, and now eight T26, not to mention the long history of RN ships built on the Clyde. Giving ship`s place names is outreach to communities across the UK that are paying for them through taxes . Pretty good move I`d say, along with `about time to` regarding construction, of course. Happy Days Cheers, Ian

First steel cut on new Type 26 `City` class frigate, HMS Glasgow. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-glasgow-west-40660677 Cheers, Ian

I wholeheartedly concur with these wise words. Fifty years worth of multi-role capability that will be needed in peace as much as wartime. Those bemoaning the carriers often describe replacing them with ships capable of multiple missions, including disaster relief. Y`know, like an aircraft carrier does. Cheers, Ian

Two Queen Elizabeths for the price of one. Some media apparently dumbfounded that HMS QE has encountered snags that need fixing. May I suggest, in future, that new naval vessels be subjected to some kind of seaborne test regime; we could call `water check` or `ocean scrutiny` or something.... I`m here to help.

HMS Queen Elizabeth flexing it`s airwing muscle.

Dropped on foot, made to run round parade ground with it above head......agree that it looks like an SLR.

Pretty sure it`s ZH827 and ZH846 of 820 NAS http://www.alamy.com/stock-photo-merlin-zh-827-merlin-zh-846-hms-queen-elizabeth-helicopter-133781121.html Some good pics in this news article, pretty sure the second pic shows ZH827 making the first deck landing (the serial is just about discernible). http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-4662530/Touchdown-Big-Lizzie-receives-airborne-guests.html Cheers, Ian

Here`s the official RN page with a link to video of the first deck landing: http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2017/july/03/170703-young-pilot-makes-history-with-first-deck-landing-on-hms-queen-elizabeth

There isn`t a word of this that isn`t either factually correct or extremely likely. Come on Airfix! LIZZIE! LIZZIE! LIZZIE! LIZZIE! LIZZIE!.........etc Edit- First deck landings have occurred with Merlin. Pic near bottom of the page. http://www.savetheroyalnavy.org/hms-queen-elizabeth-her-first-week-at-sea/